|
Man, by his very nature, is a
social animal. Over 9,000 years ago the Neolithic inhabitants of Anatolia, in
modern day central Turkey, joined together to create the first city, Çatalhöyük.
Described as a community "at the threshold of civilization," Çatalhöyük
is the first example we have of man mastering his environment in a permanent
place.
As man’s mastery extended to
the seas and the world got smaller, walled cities arose to protect their
inhabitants from warlike neighbors. As economic power rather than sheer might
began to separate the strong from the weak, medieval fortresses gave way to the
magnificent palaces of Europe.
This month’s articles cover
ancient and walled cities of the Mediterranean, Europe, Asia and the Americas. Below
are a few of CulturalTravels.com’s many tour hosts that can help you discover
any of them.
This
month's tour hosts review:
|
MILA Tours
Pick of
the Month |
|
Location: Latin
America |
| Specialty:
Archeological Tours |
| Why
We Like Them: Company
President Luis Vasquez knows his stuff. For nearly 25 years,
the company has been organizing tours for groups and
individuals in 20 different countries throughout Central and
South America. The company prides itself on providing an
in-depth focus on archeology and the complexities of Mayan
and Inca cultures. Of special interest is “The Discovery of Machu Picchu” tour, which celebrates the
yearly anniversary of Hiram Bingham’s 1911 rediscovery of this spectacular
city. |
| |
|
France Off The Beaten Path |
|
Location: France |
| Specialty: French cultural immersion trips |
| Why
We Like Them: With the stated goal of providing “unforgettable
memories of France,” each tour focuses on a specific region. By introducing
travelers to the local culture through themed walks, regional cuisine, and
personal interaction with the chefs, vintners and locals whose lives revolve
around the region, the company truly puts its guests into the heart of France.
Each day involves a different activity geared to introduce visitors to the
different sides of French life. |
|
Article:
Royal
Touraine France |
| |
|
Olde Ipswich Tours |
|
Location: Europe |
| Specialty:
Small group gourmet tours |
| Why
We Like Them: Offering different itineraries every year, all tours
feature gastronomical delights. From the “Back Roads of
Portugal” to the French, Italian and Spanish wine regions,
as well as their culinary delights and historic cities and
towns, each tour pampers and indulges the senses with
first-class hotels and meals. |
|
Article:
My Favorite Walled Cities |
| |
|
Tasty Tuscany |
|
Location: Italy |
| Specialty: Villa rentals, cooking classes and visits to local
historical sites |
| Why
We Like Them: Surrounded by Etruscan, Roman and classical Italian
towns and ruins, Tasty Tuscany’s villa is a perfect
centrally located retreat from which to explore the Tuscan
countryside. Sheltering no more than eight guests at a time,
Pat and Paolo provide a gracious and comfortable base.
Excursion options include visits to local open air markets,
famous art towns, abandoned villages, and noted
archeological excavations and sites. |
| |
|
World Heritage Tours |
|
Location: Worldwide |
| Specialty: Historic and cultural tours |
| Why
We Like Them: For over 25 years, Bestway Tours and Safaris has been providing exceptional tours through the
world. Its new division, World Heritage Tours, was specially created to focus on
the world’s cultural heritage. Journeys involve all aspects of the destination
– historic sites, great monuments
and, most important, contact with local people. Historic and heritage properties
are featured for a delightful experience. Scheduled group departures, as well as
custom planning assistance are available. |
| |
|
Vintage Spain |
|
Location: Spain |
| Specialty:
Wine tours through Spain |
| Why
We Like Them:
Spain is rich in cultures and sights, and while the primary focus of the
company’s tours is on wine, all journeys include other cultural experiences,
such as art and history. Central Spain and its provinces, such as Castille, the
land of castles, La Mancha, the home of legendary Don Quixote, and the
multi-walled World Heritage town of Toledo, girt by a stone wall and the river
Tajo, are primary destinations. (Toledo is known as “the City of Three
Cultures since Christian, Jew and Arab once lived side-by-side there in peace
for centuries.) Other historic sites, such as the Roman aqueduct at Segovia, and
the walled town of Laguardia in Rioja, feature
prominently in this company’s trips. |
|
